Parker River National Wildlife Refuge to Issue Limited Number of Berry Picking Permits

Beach plum and cranberry picking have a long history on Plum Island. And, it’s an activity that continues today at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. For anyone interested in picking cranberry and/or beach plums on the refuge this year, a lottery will soon be conducted to determine who receives the limited number of berry picking permits that have been allocated for this year. The permits are free. To apply to the permit lottery, simply send an email to parkerriver@fws.gov and write “Berry Picking Permit Lottery” on the subject line. The body of the email should include your name, phone number, and, if applicable, an email address. For those lacking access to email, please type or neatly print the same personal contact information on a card and mail or drop it off at refuge headquarters (please also write “Berry Picking Permit Lottery” on the card or envelope). The mailing address is Parker River NWR, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, MA, 01950. If dropping off your lottery application, a drop-off box will be located near the front door of the visitor center. Permit lottery applications will be accepted from July 1 thru July 30. Permit selectees will be notified by August 10 and will be provided with additional details at that time.